The value of arthroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthroscopy of 49 knee joints in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) or suspected JRA is described. A large number of patients had a monoarticular involvement with a difficult differential diagnostic problem. Arthroscopy gave important additional diagnostic information. Arthroscopy gives accurate information regarding cartilage destruction and severity of synovitis. In some patients with JRA arthroscopy was a final tool in deciding whether or not to do a synovectomy. Arthroscopy is a safe examination which gives important additional diagnostic information in patients with JRA.